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HISTORIC COMMISSIONER’ S HOUSE REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE
A major restoration milestone was celebrated at the Commissioner’ s House in The Historic Dockyard Chatham as partners, supporters and project teams gathered to mark the official topping out of the building and place a time capsule in its newly completed roof.
To secure its future, The Commissioner’ s House, the oldest and most intact naval building in the country, is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration. Once complete, the house will reopen as a premier hospitality destination, welcoming visitors, event guests and members of the community. For the first time, the house will also offer wider public access and feature new interpretation, sharing the stories of the resident commissioner and the role the building played in the management and administration of the dockyard.
The time capsule, containing stories, photographs, contemporary materials and personal reflections from the team working on the project, was placed by Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE DL, chair of Chatham Historic Dockyard and Lord Mendoza CBE, chair of Historic England and will remain hidden for 100 years, ready to be discovered by future custodians of the dockyard.
KENT’ S RACER CROWNED YOUNGEST KARTING WORLD CHAMPION
Radnor House Sevenoaks’ s, Max Endacott, has become the youngest champion at the X30 Junior Karting World Championships aged 12 years old.
Beating 120 entrants from 35 countries across a four day event, Max secured a win in the finale event in Valencia. After qualifying in pole position, Max’ s results in the heats were three second places, two third places and two fourths before he went on to win the final over a 17-lap race.
After starting karting at just eight years old, Max now competes across Europe, with race meetings lasting up to a week long before practice begins. Max and his teachers at Radnor House Sevenoaks work together to ensure his education continues.
“ We strive to nurture every child’ s talent and we work with Max and his family to ensure he can balance school work alongside racing,” said headmaster, David Paton.“ We commend Max for following his training programme, academic studies and sponsorship opportunities. We know Max is exceptional and that this win will push him further.”
In the new year, Max hopes to add the European Championship title to his name before moving up to compete in the X30 Senior Class in September 2026.
DIAGRAMA FOSTERING PARTNERS WITH LOCAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
Diagrama Fostering, a not-for-profit fostering agency dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people across Kent and the South East, has announced a new partnership with Borough Green Junior Football Club.
Diagrama Fostering provides full training, ongoing support and generous allowances to individuals and families who can offer a stable, loving home.
Borough Green JFC shares Diagrama’ s commitment to nurturing young people and helping them thrive. The new collaboration will help raise awareness of the need for more foster carers in the region, while supporting opportunities for children to grow through sport, teamwork and mentorship. As part of the partnership, Diagrama Fostering will provide new kit for the club’ s Under 7s team for the 2025 / 26 season.
“ Both Borough Green JFC and Diagrama Fostering believe in helping children grow with confidence and feel part of a supportive community,” said Kate Patel, head of fostering and adoption.“ There is currently a national shortage of foster carers, and we hope this partnership not only supports local sport but also raises awareness about the difference fostering can make in a child’ s life.” www. insidekent. co. uk • 209